Synonym Chooser

How is the word loyal distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of loyal are constant, faithful, resolute, staunch, and steadfast. While all these words mean "firm in adherence to whatever one owes allegiance," loyal implies a firm resistance to any temptation to desert or betray.

remained loyal to the czar

When is constant a more appropriate choice than loyal?

The meanings of constant and loyal largely overlap; however, constant stresses continuing firmness of emotional attachment without necessarily implying strict obedience to promises or vows.

constant friends

When can faithful be used instead of loyal?

Although the words faithful and loyal have much in common, faithful implies unswerving adherence to a person or thing or to the oath or promise by which a tie was contracted.

faithful to her promise

When would resolute be a good substitute for loyal?

The synonyms resolute and loyal are sometimes interchangeable, but resolute implies firm determination to adhere to a cause or purpose.

a resolute ally

When is it sensible to use staunch instead of loyal?

While the synonyms staunch and loyal are close in meaning, staunch suggests fortitude and resolution in adherence and imperviousness to influences that would weaken it.

a staunch defender of free speech

Where would steadfast be a reasonable alternative to loyal?

While in some cases nearly identical to loyal, steadfast implies a steady and unwavering course in love, allegiance, or conviction.

steadfast in their support

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of loyal Dolce is loyal, gentle, gets along with the cats, and follows Kirsten everywhere. David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Apr. 2025 Not only does South 21 have a loyal customer base that spans generations, many of its employees have also worked there for decades. Samantha Husted, Charlotte Observer, 10 Apr. 2025 Now, it’s recognized for its loyal customer base spanning generations. Hilary Tetenbaum, USA Today, 10 Apr. 2025 Tik Tok videos showed block-long lines of loyal Trader Joe’s shoppers in the Bay Area waiting for the chance to grab a bag. Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 10 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for loyal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loyal
Adjective
  • While industries evolve and AI transforms work, a company’s commitment to its weekly all-hands meeting or quarterly offsite can remain steadfast.
    Susanne Biro, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • The administration's steadfast message in recent days has been that the tariffs were coming and there was no way out.
    Ben Berkowitz, Axios, 7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The billionaire Ackman, a staunch Trump supporter, put the market's fears about the fate of the global economy in the starkest terms possible.
    Ben Berkowitz, Axios, 6 Apr. 2025
  • What To Know Tuberville, a staunch Trump supporter, joined guest host Jackie DeAngelis on Sunday Morning Futures to discuss the recent Senate GOP budget, which passed 51-48 on Saturday, with Republican Senators Rand Paul of Kentucky and Susan Collins of Maine voting against the bill.
    John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Memorable night Before the match, even the most faithful Arsenal fan would have been nervous for the game against a Champions League specialist.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2025
  • According to Boyer, the television adaptation of her and Kochan’s podcast is primarily faithful to Kochan’s real-life story.
    Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • As a devout Muslim, Abdi, 24, dresses modestly and wears a hijab, or, when shooting or walking shows, a hat or head covering.
    Courtney Crowder, USA TODAY, 22 Mar. 2025
  • The venue will certainly attract flocks of deadheads, who remain among the most devout fanbases in music.
    Ethan Millman, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • That versatility is, in a lot of ways, the true beauty of unicorns.
    Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 28 Mar. 2025
  • The same is true for picking up concertgoers after the show.
    Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • One of our biggest needs is a dedicated recreational facility that serves both youth and seniors—providing safe, engaging spaces for after-school programs, wellness activities, and community connection.
    Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Since being revealed as Jade Cargill’s mystery assailant, Naomi has gone Super Saiyan as a dedicated Twitter troll, Quote Tweeting Jade with every click.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The life skills teacher is a devoted mom to her son Harry (Jude Hill) and wife to a successful optometrist Fred (Matthew Macfadyen).
    Erin Jensen, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2025
  • With stories of family chaos, missteps and her devoted dog Chunk, Chelsea hilariously tackles the world’s most absurd travel situations.
    Ashlee Conour, Chicago Tribune, 28 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Loyal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loyal. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on loyal

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